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Specifications writer vs content editor

The differences between specifications writers and content editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a specifications writer, becoming a content editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $61,694 average annual salary of a content editor.

The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a content editor are digital content, web content, and digital marketing.

Specifications writer vs content editor overview

Specifications WriterContent Editor
Yearly salary$72,326$61,694
Hourly rate$34.77$29.66
Growth rate6%-5%
Number of jobs15,59618,586
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4644
Years of experience24

What does a specifications writer do?

A specifications writer specializes in developing and producing written materials that focus on technical descriptions of products, materials, and procedures. Their responsibilities include understanding and interpreting plans and processes, coordinating with engineers and other experts, creating sketches and diagrams, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They must also work together with editors, performing revisions as needed. Furthermore, as a specifications writer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a content editor do?

A content editor is an individual who is responsible for proof-reading articles written by content writers and write blog posts to promote the products and services of an organization. Content editors are responsible for producing monthly newsletters and optimize written pieces to increase user engagement. They need to interact with the consumers with the purpose of sourcing feedback on the content's impact actively. Content editors must also conduct business research on current trends to give the company an edge over the competition.

Specifications writer vs content editor salary

Specifications writers and content editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Specifications WriterContent Editor
Average salary$72,326$61,694
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $105,000Between $41,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between specifications writer and content editor education

There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a content editor in terms of educational background:

Specifications WriterContent Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorBusinessEnglish
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNorthwestern University

Specifications writer vs content editor demographics

Here are the differences between specifications writers' and content editors' demographics:

Specifications WriterContent Editor
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 49.8% Female, 50.2%Male, 43.5% Female, 56.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 8.6% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%12%

Differences between specifications writer and content editor duties and responsibilities

Specifications writer example responsibilities.

  • Help company achieve ISO registration by determining best practices, writing ISO compliant manufacturing instructions and teaching best manufacturing processes.
  • Involve answering RFP system specification and accompanying system requirements document (SRD).
  • Process specifications in SpecsIntact according to project requirements working with a team of engineers, architects and project managers.
  • Develop sophisticated PowerPoint presentations for cross-departmental meetings.
  • Update processes to ensure DOI, CMS and SOX compliance.
  • Develop and lead the review process for validation documentation for SOX and 21 CFR part 11 compliance.
  • Show more

Content editor example responsibilities.

  • Work with W3C standardize CSS to achieve design goals.
  • Coordinate and manage a team of photographers who work on NBA games throughout the league.
  • Identify, create and manage QA projects to improve data consistency and accuracy using SQL to extract data.
  • Manage editorial department by editing and publishing daily content for website and daily e-newsletter.
  • Develop SEO strategies to increase profitability and manage social media to spread brand awareness and bolster readership.
  • Develop social media content for different outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube channel and the blog's webpage.
  • Show more

Specifications writer vs content editor skills

Common specifications writer skills
  • Technical Specifications, 17%
  • Data Sheets, 11%
  • Leed, 11%
  • Product Flow, 9%
  • Architectural Specifications, 7%
  • Construction Specifications, 7%
Common content editor skills
  • Digital Content, 8%
  • Web Content, 7%
  • Digital Marketing, 4%
  • WordPress, 4%
  • Video Content, 4%
  • Content Marketing, 4%

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